Musical artist Curtis Mayfield first hit my radar when I finally watched the film Superfly, and ever since, I have relished his incredible soundtrack for the movie. Besides that contribution, I didn’t know much about his other contributions to music or his life and background. I made it a point to watch this documentary because his Superfly soundtrack was simply enough to know that he was an incredibly talented artist. I didn’t know the exact extent of his contributions to the art form.
Written and directed by a talented artist in her own right, H.E.R., The Makings of Curtis Mayfield takes its viewers on a musical journey into the career of the gifted and passionate musician who has significantly impacted future musicians of multiple generations. H.E.R. details her feelings and the impact Mayfield’s music has had on her career but also brings in other artists who were influenced by the beautiful, soulful, and funky music Mayfield gave us during his life.
I love how H.E.R. and her special guests analyze Mayfield’s breakthroughs in soul music and how these sounds influenced their work. The film also features input from other artists such as Dr. Dre, Mary J. Blige, John Legend, Stephen Marley, Maxwell, Tom Morello, and Jimmy Jam. Each artist notes how Curtis Mayfield changed their lives and how his music influenced the great work they brought to this world.
I highly recommend The Makings of Curtis Mayfield. It is a wonderful celebration of a musician and singer whose work has an indelible influence on the future of music.